Page 66 of Brazen Obsession

Sara doesn’t say anything.

Mom brightens and looks at Sara. “You were there with Drew Young, correct?”

“Yes, I was.” This is delicate.

While I’m all for coming out to our families with our relationship, I don’t know if my mother or uncle will consider it anything more than a passing fad if they know the truth. Sara and I talked a little about whether to mention anything, but if it got brought up, we hadn’t decided whether to deny or just not confirm.

“I already had a date or I would have brought her.” I glance at my uncle, who watches us closely.

“I’m sure Sara understands how business works. You come from a well-off family.” David smiles and leans back like he’s comfortable. “Relationships for our class can be difficult to navigate. Take you two.”

I draw in a breath to control the rage bubbling up in me. Whatever he has to say won’t be good.

“You both come from good families, but on paper, do you make sense?” David takes a sip of his wine. “There comes a time when you have to do what’s best for your family. I’m sure you both understand.”

Sara’s lips tighten, but before she can say anything, we hear voices from the hallway followed by a middle-aged man and woman walking into the room with someone trailing after them.

“David!” The man has a booming voice to go with his pot belly. He throws his arms open. “I figured we’d have to tour the whole house before we found you.”

David rises out of his chair and strides forward to greet the man. “Howard, I’m so glad you and Agnes were able to make it. And this must be Juliette.”

I stand out of duty.

They part and a young woman about Sara’s age stands behind them. Her blond hair is in a bun. A simple dress falls on her slender body. Her brown eyes are huge as they take in the room. When David offers her his hand, she steps forward with a small smile and takes it.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” David holds her hand between his.

Agnes turns and signs to Juliette. Juliette nods and signs back to her mother.

“She’s happy to meet you.”

David leads them into the room and introduces them to my mother before turning to me and Sara. Sara stands beside me.

“Dante, this is Howard and Agnes Somerset. Howard and I do business together. This is their daughter, Juliette.” David offers her hand to me.

I take her hand and glance at David. Maybe this is another date thing and they just wanted me to meet her first.

I release her hand and talk while I sign, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Her smile brightens as she signs, “Same.”

She glances at Sara.

“Sara Morris, pleasure to meet you.”

I sign for Sara and Juliette nods as she shakes Sara’s hand.

“Let me pour you some wine.” David moves around the couch. “Dinner should be ready shortly, but we have some time to get to know each other better.”

Agnes and Howard sit near my mother, who turns to engage them in conversation. Juliette sits in the chair next to the couch.

I sign as I speak. “Sara doesn’t know ASL.”

“I’m surprised you do,” Juliette signs and I say it so Sara knows what’s going on.

“I needed a few credits in college and I found it fascinating,” I sign and say. “It comes in handy from time to time.”

She gives me a smile and glances at her parents. “This is weird, right? I’m pretty sure this is supposed to be some sort of setup.”